Citizen Soldier (2016) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in Afghanistan, a country in South Asia that has been the center of numerous military conflicts. The setting highlights the perilous regions where soldiers face extreme challenges and combat, featuring rugged terrain that creates a dangerous backdrop for the soldiers' tour of duty.

• afghanistan
• setting
• war zone
• location

The movie takes place during the post-9/11 era, specifically during the peak of the troop surge in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2012. This period was characterized by intense military engagement, with numerous nations involved in combat operations against terrorism following the September 11 attacks.

• post-9/11
• era
• time period
• 2001-2012
• troop surge

The Oklahoma Thunderbirds is a National Guard unit composed of soldiers from Oklahoma who were deployed to Afghanistan as part of the U.S. military response to post-9/11 conflicts. The documentary follows this specific unit throughout their challenging tour of duty, showcasing their experiences and the bonds they form during deployment.

• oklahoma thunderbirds
• national guard
• unit
• military

Sgt. Eran Harrill is portrayed as a natural leader within the unit who balances his responsibilities as a devoted single father with his duty as a soldier. His character highlights the challenges of military life, particularly the sacrifices made during deployment, and showcases his commitment to both family and country while serving in Afghanistan.

• sergeant
• eran harrill
• leader
• character
• single father

The film explores three central themes: courage and sacrifice, which portrays the emotional and physical toll of combat on soldiers; brotherhood, depicting the deep connections formed among comrades facing adversity; and patriotism, showcasing how ordinary citizens become soldiers in service to their nation with a selfless commitment to protect their homeland.

• themes
• courage
• sacrifice
• brotherhood
• patriotism

The film portrays the courage and sacrifices made by soldiers in the line of duty, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll combat takes on young individuals. It shows soldiers embodying bravery despite facing life-threatening situations, highlighting how deployment affects not just the soldiers but their families waiting at home.

• sacrifice
• soldiers
• combat
• bravery
• deployment

Brotherhood is a key theme depicting the deep connections formed among soldiers in the face of adversity. The relationships built during harrowing combat experiences illustrate unyielding support and camaraderie among comrades, emphasizing emotional bonds that transcend personal backgrounds and unite soldiers through shared danger.

• brotherhood
• camaraderie
• soldiers
• relationships
• bonds

Patriotism serves as a driving force in the narrative, showcasing how ordinary citizens transition from civilian life to military duty. The film emphasizes their selfless commitment to protect their homeland, reflecting a deep-rooted sense of duty and honor that motivates the soldiers throughout their deployment in Afghanistan.

• patriotism
• duty
• honor
• country
• service

The documentary utilizes raw, real-world footage and personal helmet-cam perspectives to chronicle the soldiers' challenging tour of duty. This immersive approach provides viewers with an intense, first-person view of chaotic and harrowing combat situations, creating a directly immersive experience of war.

• footage
• helmet-cam
• documentary
• raw footage
• combat

The movie has a dominantly tense tone, given the constant peril and focus on survival in combat zones. However, this tension is underpinned by strong notes of patriotism and brotherhood. The overall experience is emotionally charged and stressful due to the direct immersion in chaotic combat situations through raw footage.

• tone
• tense
• emotional
• documentary style
• intensity